This four-part Bookbinding Core Series prepares participants to undertake a wide range of projects and additional classes in intermediate and advanced bookbinding techniques and book structures.

 At the completion of the series, the VCB (Virginia Center for the Book) will award a Certificate of Basic Skills in Bookbinding. VCB members who hold the certificate may use the Center’s equipment for their personal bookbinding projects.

Class 1: Saturday, October 16: Tools, Materials, and Processes
Pamphlet Books in Many Forms


Class 1 introduces basic bookbinding tools (bone folder, awl, punching cradle, needle, mat, Xacto knife, ruler), shop equipment (board shear, paper cutter, nipping press), materials (cover and text paper, adhesives, threads), processes (cutting, folding, basic stitching, punching, making jigs, using adhesives), and the vocabulary of bookbinding.
 Participants will assemble their own punching cradle and complete three softcover books: two single-signature and one double signature.

Class 2: Sunday, October 17: Refining Basic Skills & Developing Craft
Portfolio and Small Book Construction



Class 2 employs the portfolio structure to build skills of board cutting, working with cover materials, and using adhesives. Using book board, book cloth, and decorative paper, participants will make a 10 x 12 portfolio with tie closure.  Participants will then adapt the basic portfolio structure and size to make either a single signature journal or a notepad holder.  Working through the portfolio’s complexity prepares participants for case binding in Classes 3 and 4.

Class 3: Saturday, October 23: Making a Case-Bound Book
A Step-by-Step Approach 


Class 3 builds on classes 1 and 2.
We will start with a short introduction to the case-bound book, its history, and mechanics.
 Participants will learn how to sequence the making of this structure and will end the day with a fully finished case-bound book.
 Materials will be pre-cut for this class. All materials and a detailed handout will be provided.

Class 4: Sunday, October 24: The continuation of class 3.


Participants will make a second case-bound book, using their handout as a guide.
 They can decide on the size and cover material of this book and are free to experiment with decorative paper brought from home.
 The instructor will do less hand-holding, encouraging the students to think things through on their own. 
We aim to have the second book finished as well.

Bookbinding Core Skills: Fall Session 2021


Instructors: Jane Freeman & Yolanda Merril


Schedule: Four Classes, Saturday and Sunday, October 16-17 & 23-24 (10:00 AM – 4:00 PM)


Location: Virginia Center for the Book at Jefferson School City Center


Registration Fee for four-day course: $380 members/$445 non-members (course fees include materials)
 *UVa Education Benefit Eligible, non-degree certification class #101621 (must use non-member price).
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The workshop fee includes online registration and the cost of all materials.
• Additional decorative papers may be available for purchase.
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Binding tools, brushes, and glue will be available for in-class use.


Class Size: Limited to eight students.


Additional course information contact: Garrett Queen: gsqueen@virginia.edu

COVID Vaccination & Masking Policy:

It is the Virginia Center for the Book’s expectation that all class registrants will be vaccinated. The instructors are vaccinated and may opt to conduct the class while unmasked, though any participant may mask or unmask as they feel comfortable. Should public health guidelines change and new norms be applicable, we reserve the right to revisit the expectations in the interest of participant health and safety and full refunds will be made if this causes any cancellations.

Registration: Course fees must be paid to complete your registration. You will receive an email confirmation upon completion of your registration.